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Cecil shorts might miss the preseason opener

Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts could miss the team’s first preseason game after straining the muscle in his left calf.

Shorts pulled up after running a deep route down the left sideline during Monday’s practice. He sat out practice on Tuesday, but is encouraged by how the muscle has improved.

“It feels fine,” Shorts said. “I’ve got to be cautious with it, because it’s still really early. I don’t want to come back too soon and really damage it. Right now, it’s minor. I’m not too worried about it.”

Shorts has been arguably the top overall player in training camp for the Jaguars. Coach Gus Bradley said following Tuesday’s practice that it was too soon to tell if Shorts would be available to compete in Friday’s home game against Miami.

“With Cecil, there’s nothing major to report,” Bradley said. “We’re going to be smart with him. He continues to get treatment, so we’ll get the information from [head athletic trainer] Mike [Ryan] when we go in.”

The 25-year-old Shorts is coming off a breakout season, in which he caught 55 passes for 979 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games last season. He’s holding out hope he’ll be able to take the field against the Dolphins for a few snaps.

“I always want to play,” Shorts said. “That’s just how I am. I always have something to prove. I don’t want to miss practice or miss anything. If I had my way, I’d be playing. But whatever they decide to do will be the ultimate decision and I’ll agree with it.”

Mincey out with a concussion

Defensive end Jeremy Mincey missed practice Tuesday with a concussion. The 29-year-old Mincey was originally diagnosed with a head contusion, but a neurologist on Monday changed that evaluation.

“Jeremy Mincey is following the NFL protocol with the concussion,” Bradley said. “So he’s going through all the procedures set up by the NFL.”

Price was wearing No. 15. With that number now open, veteran receiver Jordan Shipley agreed to allow Robinson to have his favorite number back and took No. 15. Shipley, who wasn’t attached to No. 16, took Price’s old number.

“I knew that Denard wanted to wear it,” Shipley said. “That’s been his number his whole time. I like the number, but I didn’t have as significant ties to it like he did. So, I let him take it over.”

Shipley said he and Robinson have the same agent and that’s how the switch was made.

“He kind of went through that,” Shipley said. “They asked me if I’d be interested or whatever. It took a little while to work it all out, but it finally got done.”

Robinson was selected in the fifth round of April’s draft after a brilliant career at Michigan. In camp, Robinson has lined up at running back, quarterback and receiver. He was wearing No. 29.

“I’m very glad to get the number back,” Robinson said. “It means a lot to me. Jordan’s a good guy to let me have it, especially since I’m a rookie.”

Red-eye, a workout, then signed contract

Offensive lineman Pat McQuistan got the call in his Oregon home Sunday afternoon.

That night he took a red-eye flight from Portland to Jacksonville. Monday, he worked out for the coaches, passes his physical and signed his contract.

The whirlwind continued Tuesday morning as the 6-foot-6, 317-pound McQuistan was in full pads going through his first practice with the team. McQuistan had a good first day, simply because he was able to withstand the heat and make it through the whole practice.

“It’s a lot more humid than what Oregon had,” McQuistan said. “It’s like a bear hug when you walk outside. They do a great job here with fluids. The cool zone is awesome. That helps.”

The 30-year-old McQuistan played in six games with three starts for the Arizona Cardinals last season. His addition brought the Jaguars roster up to 89, one below the maximum.

McQuistan has played in 72 games with 11 starts in his previous seven NFL seasons. He’s expected to bolster the Jaguars’ depth at tackle and guard.